Drainage Construction: Complete Guide to Pit Drainage Systems

The primary objective of a pit site is to manage and control the water on the property. Heavy rain storms, natural springs, and streams can all affect your ability to run operations and keep production flowing. While we can’t control nature, we can manage it by designing a system that allows water to move through the pits rather than stand in them. A pit drainage system is essential for any type of soil or terrain where you expect standing water at any point during the growing season. It’s also paramount if you’re constructing an agribusiness that employs irrigation, because even with no precipitation, plants will still require constant moisture supply to thrive. In this article, we’ll discuss in detail everything you need to know about pit drainageto improve your business processes and crop yield!

What is a Pit Drainage System?

A pit drainage system — also known as a pit water management system — is a network of ditches, channels, and ponds designed to remove excess water from a pit site, including rain water and water from irrigation. A pit drainage system can be built on top of existing drainage systems and designed to fit most types of soil, including clay, sand, and loam. If you’re constructing a new pit, you’ll likely be required to have a system in place to meet government regulations. A pit drainage system is also beneficial if you’re growing crops on a sloped terrain.

Why is a Pit Drainage System Important?

When heavy rain storms, natural springs, and streams affect your ability to run operations and keep production flowing. While we can’t control nature, we can manage it by designing a system that allows water to move through the pits rather than stand in them. A pit drainage system is essential for any type of soil or terrain where you expect standing water at any point during the growing season. It’s also paramount if you’re constructing an agribusiness that employs irrigation, because even with no precipitation, plants will still require constant moisture supply to thrive.

How Does a Pit Drainage System Work?

A pit drainage system works by diverting excess water from a pit site into nearby waterways, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and creeks. A pit drainage system can also be designed to pump water to drainage tiles installed in the pit, though the tiles will need to be managed properly to prevent clogs and damages. A pit drainage system is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” system but rather a living system that needs to be monitored and maintained to operate at peak performance.

Materials Needed to Build a Pit Drainage System

Before you begin designing a pit drainage system, you’ll need to know the depth of your pit and soil type. You can determine the depth of your pit by digging a hole approximately 8-inches deep. Fill the hole with water and measure how long it takes for the water to completely drain. Once you have these measurements, you can determine the length of your drainage channels. Here is a list of materials you’ll need to build a pit drainage system: Shovels – To dig channels, ponds, and other structures Rakes – To remove excess soil and to smooth out the bottoms of channels Spades – To modify channels and to create larger ponds Drill – To create holes for drainage tiles Tubing – To connect tubing to pumps and create overflow channels Pumps – To pump water from drainage tiles Tiles – To direct water from the pit and into the channels

Final Words: Is a Pit Drainage System Right for You?

Before diving headfirst into designing a pit drainage system, you need to understand that the investment will likely be large. That is why it’s important to learn as much as you can about the types of systems that are out there, their costs, and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. There are many different types of systems, so it’s best to consult with an engineer to determine what type of system is best for your specific situation. With that said, it’s important to note that a pit drainage system is only one part of a successful farming operation. You’ll also need to have a water management plan in place to prevent excess water runoff on the property.